Veteran Communist Leader R. Nallakannu Passes Away at 101
Senior Communist leader R. Nallakannu passed away at the age of 101 after prolonged illness. A lifelong activist, he dedicated decades to farmers’ rights, social justice, and public service.
Prasanth Subramani
Senior Communist Party of India (CPI) leader R. Nallakannu passed away today (February 25) at the age of 101. He had been admitted to hospital on February 1 due to high blood pressure and kidney-related complications. Despite continuous treatment by a team of specialist doctors and ventilator support, his health deteriorated over the past two days, and he breathed his last today.
R. Nallakannu was born on December 26, 1925, in Perumpathu village near Srivaikuntam in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu. From a young age, he was inspired by the poems of Subramania Bharati and developed strong patriotic ideals after reading about freedom fighters such as V.O. Chidambaranar, Sathyamurthy, and Bhagat Singh.
At the age of 18, he joined the Communist Party of India and became actively involved in political and social movements. At 27, he was arrested in the Nellai conspiracy case and endured imprisonment and hardships during the freedom struggle. By the time he was released, India had gained independence.
He later served as the State Secretary of the Communist Party of India for 13 years and also worked as the President of the Agricultural Workers’ Union. Throughout his life, he actively participated in farmers’ protests, movements against untouchability, and struggles against the exploitation of natural resources.
R. Nallakannu dedicated most of his life to public service, protests, and social justice, leaving behind a legacy of simplicity, integrity, and unwavering commitment to his principles.
